To format a partition using Disk Management, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Disk Management and click the top result to open the experience.
Right-click the new hard drive and select the Format option.
- In the "Value label" field, type a descriptive name for the drive.
- Use the "File system" drop-down menu, and select NTFS (recommended for Windows 10).
- Use the "Allocation unit size" drop-down menu, and select the Default option.
Check the Perform a quick format option.
Quick Tip: While performing a quick format wipes the drive faster, it doesn't check if the drive is damaged. On the other hand, when clearing the option, a full format will be performed, which not only wipes the drive clean, but it'll also check for bad sectors. It's an option that could take several hours, but it's a good practice to make sure the hard drive is in working conditions.
- Unless necessary, clear the Enable file and folder compression option.
- Click the OK button.
- Click the OK button again in the warning message.
Once you've completed the steps, the system will format the selected partition on the drive, and then you can start using it to store files.